Adura, the joint venture behind the proposed Jackdaw oil field, has stated that the development will “not materially influence” greenhouse gas emissions. The company, a partnership between Shell and Equinor, released a 159-page environmental impact assessment on Wednesday as a public consultation was launched.
Environmental Impact Assessment Findings
The assessment found that Jackdaw would account for just 0.02% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. “This indicates that the project alone will not materially influence the evolution of future global GHG levels or the impacts attributed to those future GHG levels,” the report stated. It added that the project is “fully in line with measures necessary to achieve a trajectory towards net zero.”
Industry and Political Support
Neil McCulloch, chief executive of Adura, emphasized the importance of the project for UK energy security. “The North Sea has helped to power Britain for more than half a century. In Jackdaw and Rosebank we have two advanced projects of national importance that can define the next chapter,” he said. “Jackdaw is ready to make a major contribution to Britain’s energy needs by this winter.”
Tory MP Andrew Bowie, the shadow Scottish secretary, urged the UK Government to approve the project. “This development, which the Conservatives have supported from the very beginning, will help shape the lives of thousands of North Sea workers for years to come,” he said. “Supporting this, which will give us greater energy security and create 3,500 jobs during construction, with 880 high-quality, well-paid jobs sustained throughout production, is a no-brainer.”
Environmental Criticism
However, Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, criticized the project, arguing it would have minimal impact on energy bills or gas supply. “Even in the most optimistic scenario, and assuming none of its gas is exported, it would provide just 2% of UK gas demand over its nine to 12-year lifetime,” she said. “The reality is, after 50 years of drilling, the UK has now burned most of its gas and a relatively small gas field like Jackdaw will do next to nothing to reduce our dependence on imports.”
Khan added that high gas prices are forcing millions into energy debt while Shell profits soar. “The only way to insulate ourselves from price shocks is to double down on renewables and upgrade homes to get us off gas,” she said.
Consultation Details
The public consultation on Jackdaw opened on Wednesday and will close on August 10. The proposed oil field is located off the coast of Aberdeen and requires UK Government approval to proceed.
